Also known as Japanese Cedar · 1.1k saves
Cryptomeria
Cryptomeria, the genus most gardeners know as japanese cedar. We track 24 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Cryptomeria varieties
Species of Cryptomeria
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Cryptomeria in Sow
Save the Cryptomeria you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Cryptomeria
Whats common across all Cryptomeria varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 24 most-grown of them.
The Cryptomeria year
- PruneFebruary88% of varieties
Remove dead or damaged wood in late winter; shape lightly if necessary.
- FertilizeMarch88% of varieties
Fertilize only if growth is weak, using a balanced slow-release formula.
- MulchMarch and October67% of varieties
Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch to retain soil moisture.
- PlantMarch, April, September and October54% of varieties
Plant in early spring or early fall for best establishment.
- Check for PestsMay–July33% of varieties
Check for spider mites during hot, dry weather.
Do
- Prune lightly to maintain shape
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Water deeply during dry periods 🌱
- Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t fertilize late in the season
- Avoid overwatering ❌
- Don't plant in waterlogged soil ❌
What goes wrong with Cryptomeria
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted growth | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Mites | Foliage may appear stippled, bronzed, or dirty; fine webbing may be present. | Spray with a strong jet of water. Use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap, ensuring good coverage. |
| Scale insects | Yellowing or wilting leaves | Use horticultural oil |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing and speckled foliage | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing foliage | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Cercospora Leaf Blight | Browning of needles, starting on lower, inner branches and progressing upwards and outwards. | Improve air circulation by proper spacing. Prune out and destroy infected branches. Apply a copper-based fungicide if necessary. |
| Root Rot | Wilting, yellowing foliage, soft roots | Improve drainage, reduce watering, apply fungicide |
Making more Cryptomeria
Cuttings
- Select healthy semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer.
- Dip in rooting hormone and plant in moist soil.
- Keep in partial shade for 8 weeks until established.
Seeds
- Collect seeds in fall after cones mature.
- Sow in well-drained soil in spring.
- Keep soil moist and provide partial shade.
- Germination occurs in 4-8 weeks.
Cryptomeria questions
How many types of Cryptomeria are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 24 distinct Cryptomeria varieties. The most popular — ranked by 1.1k real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Cryptomeria grow in?
Across its varieties, Cryptomeria covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Cryptomeria bloom?
Most Cryptomeria varieties bloom in early spring, late winter, late fall. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Cryptomeria should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.